Terrelle Pryor: "I Want to Play Both"

Jeff Goodman

05/08/2007

Terrelle Pryor is Scout.com's fourth-ranked player in the Class of 2008 - in football. He's also No. 35 in the nation in basketball. The 6-foot-6 junior forward is extremely talented - and has plenty of suitors for both sports.

You don't have to watch him throw for 1,732 yards and 15 touchdowns or run for 1,676 on the ground to figure it out. You don't have to witness a no-look pass on the court or one of his trademark dunks on the fastbreak.

All you have to do is watch him conduct an interview.

A couple of weeks ago, the 6-foot-6, 210-pound Jeanette High (Pa.) two-sport star was actually talking on his cell phone while simultaneously doing an interview with a local writer.

That's right. Talking on the phone while conducting an in-person interview.

Pryor had just finished up a game at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest and had misfired on a desperation 3-pointer that could have won the game.

Pryor had finished with 25 points and showed a versatile game that makes it clear why he's one of the most wanted men - both on the football field and also the hardwood.

He's a terrific athlete blessed with size who has terrific vision. While the knock on him in the past has been selfish play, Pryor showed plenty of unselfishness while tossing passes all over the court that translated into easy baskets for his teammates.

He's strong, isn't afraid to stick his nose in to get a rebound and runs the floor extremely well. He also shows plenty of poise on the court and wants the ball in his hands when the game's on the line.

Pryor maintains that his intention is to play both sports in college, although the one-time Pittsburgh commit has now made more of a name on the gridiron. In fact, some even have him as the top-ranked player in the entire country.

``I'll give it a try," said a disinterested Pryor in an interview immediately after the one in which he spent on his cell phone.